A number of key Springbok players will join the Sharks’ touring party next weekend, after initially being missed off the wider 28-man list. 

Among them is lock Eben Etzebeth, who was initially an injury concern, with the Sharks detailing that he was struggling with a ‘lower limb’ issue, but it seems the Durbanites expect him to be fit sooner rather than later.

JP Pietersen’s side begin their three-week tour of Europe with an EPCR Challenge Cup tie against Top 14 side Lou, before facing Cardiff and Munster in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Springboks stars’ Sharks return dates clarified as side begin European tour

Joining Etzebeth on the plane to Europe next week are fellow Springbok Test stars Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe, with that contingent left at home for the EPCR Challenge Cup opener in France next week. Of that contingent, only Etzebeth was previously listed as an injury concern.

Elsewhere, the Sharks have named a strong group for their three-week tour with a number of Test men in the group. Pietersen has named 17 forwards in his wider squad, with the likes of Manu Tshituka, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka, Stephan Lewies and Hanro Jacobs also included.

The Sharks have also brought 11 backs on tour, namely Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, Ivan van Zyl and Jaco Williams.

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But Pietersen does have some injury concerns too, with Fez Mbatha, Hendre Stassen, Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vusi Moyo and Yaw Penxe all remaining in South Africa due to knocks.

Sharks 28-man touring squad in full

Forwards: Cameron Dawson, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Stephan Lewies, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka

Backs: Bradley Davids, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Zekhethelo Siyaya

Joining in week two: Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe